Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Duke Lenaril

The journey through the sky was quite comfortable.

There was hardly any swaying, and I didn’t feel nauseous at all.

I thought we might be affected by the wind or clouds, but the dragon repelled them.

The dragon doesn’t fly with the flapping of its wings but rather with the power of magic. It seems to fly while pushing through the wind as well. The area around the dragon is almost windless, and even the balloon we’re riding benefits from it.

And then, I understood why Chloe felt uncomfortable looking at the balloon. Its power source is an emerald gem.

I remember feeling the magical energy on my skin.

I should get something for Chloe later. I want to apologize for making her feel uncomfortable by accompanying me.

Eclava has a significant wealth disparity.

All sorts of things from around the world gather here, and people are constantly changing.

As a result, it attracts people who aspire to climb the social ladder.

This energy becomes the city’s vitality and empowers it as a whole.

“You’re saying nice things. We’re about to arrive at the duke’s estate. Keep your wits about you.”

And so, we finally arrived at Duke Lenaril’s mansion.

I was surprised when I saw the estate of Count Fernande, but this is even more impressive.

A massive mansion built of sturdy bricks, with a vast garden meticulously tended to in every corner.

Every detail, from corner to corner, is meticulously crafted by artisans. It’s a perfect arrangement. I felt a little overwhelmed.

The garden is so vast that we had to ride through it in the carriage. As the carriage sped along, we enjoyed the beauty of the garden.

Farne, the daughter of Count Fernande, who is accustomed to such things, was also speechless with admiration.

On the other hand, Tina and Chloe seemed uninterested.

When I asked them, they said that it seemed too artificially manicured, and they found my village’s raspberry fields much more beautiful.

It’s probably their sensitivity as elves and fox beastfolk Lunarl, living in harmony with nature.

◇

After arriving at the mansion, we were led to the rooms where we would be staying for a while. When asked if separate rooms should be prepared for the servants, I looked at Tina and Chloe.

Seeing that they preferred to stay together, I requested that they stay with me.

Many nobles are accustomed to having their servants or guards always by their side, and it seemed to be naturally accepted.

The room prepared for us was not like a single room in a hotel but more like a 4LDK in Japan. It was quite spacious and all the furnishings were top-notch.

“It seems we’re being welcomed.”

“Yeah, this room is amazing.”

“Mhm, it’s so incredible that I can’t think of anything else to say.”

This is definitely not a room prepared for the heir of a viscount.

Viscount families, even when invited to parties, are given accommodations? Oh, just find your own suitable place to stay.

That’s the usual treatment.

Being provided with a guest room like this undoubtedly indicates expectations.

Tina and Chloe, their eyes sparkling with curiosity, look around eagerly.

“You two can explore as long as you don’t break anything.”

As soon as I say that, they start making a commotion.

“Kurt-sama, this bed is so soft!”

“Look, there are lots of beautiful clothes in the closet. Can we wear them?”

“There are fruits placed here.”

“The tea here smells so good.”

If anyone else but me saw them, they’d probably be angry at their behavior, not fitting for servants. But for me, seeing them happy is enjoyable.

But there’s no time.

It’s time for the audience. I need to tidy up my appearance as much as possible.

◇

After tidying up, I join Farne and Volg and head to the audience where Duke Lenaril awaits.

When it comes to noble families, it’s common for them to have such rooms.

Count Fernande went out ahead of us. It seems there was something he needed to discuss without me present.

I’m not particularly concerned about it. It’s only natural for matters like that to arise when dealing with dukes and margraves.

“Kurt-sama, you look splendid.”

“I only have this attire suitable for appearing before the duke.”

The outfit I’m wearing is the one I received from Count Fernande during the previous engagement announcement.

With this, I shouldn’t incur any anger over my attire.

“Farne, this is the first time I’ve seen you in a dress, but it suits you well. Your sakura-colored hair shines against the white dress. I like the fluffy princess-like dresses, but the elegant ones like this are beautiful too.”

Farne wears a dress that gives a fresh and white impression. The silhouette is cleaner than usual.

It’s unusual for Farne, who usually prefers cute and soft designs.

“You’re good with words, Kurt-sama.”

Farne blushes and puts her hands on her cheeks.

Behind her, Volg watches us with a smile.

I feel like blushing too.

“Farne, have you met Duke Lenaril before?”

“A few times. However, those were before she became the duchess. Since they’re close in age, she had many opportunities.”

“Before she became the duchess?”

“It’s understandable that Kurt-sama wouldn’t know. Duke Lenaril died in the previous war, and then his older brother, who was the head of the Lenaril family, also passed away two years ago due to illness. The current Duke Lenaril, who is the only direct descendant, became the head of the family.”

The intricacies of the upper class are not something that easily reaches remote areas like Arnoldt.

I thought having a female head of the family was unusual, but I guess there were circumstances behind it.

“It must be tough at such a young age, similar to Farne’s.”

“Yes, she’s still only eighteen. Becoming a duke at that age, the weight of that responsibility is immeasurable.”

Honestly, it sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

The difference in responsibility between a viscount and a duke is just too great.

“…And yet, despite her youth, she has been further developing her territory. Even my father has acknowledged her abilities. Frankly, she’s a prodigy. My idol.”

“If Count Fernande respects her, then she must truly be outstanding.”

“My father hardly praises anyone without reservation, you, Kurt-sama, included, you could count them on one hand.”

In that case, I can’t afford to show any weaknesses.

I need to stay focused.

With permission from Duke Lenaril’s subordinates, we enter the audience chamber where Count Fernande is already conversing with Duke Lenaril.

Duke Lenaril, as I had heard, is a young woman with beautiful dark golden hair. Her dress is lavish yet tasteful, not conveying any vulgarity.

Seated on a slightly elevated throne, Duke Lenaril speaks while Count Fernande stands in the center of the audience chamber.

Since all we can hear is small talk, it seems the main discussion has already concluded.

As Farne and I approach Count Fernande, we kneel down on the spot.

We’re not allowed to address the duke directly. We must wait for her to speak.

“Welcome after your long journey. Farne Fernande. Kurt Arnoldt, the next viscount of Arnoldt. I appreciate you accommodating our demanding schedule.”

“No, it’s an honor to be able to use this power for the future of our country.”

Since there’s no way I could voice any dissatisfaction, I nod.

“Raise your head. Ah, you’re Kurt Arnoldt. You have a good demeanor. Intellectual and confident. Count Fernande’s protege. I can understand why he would want to keep you close.”

“I’ve been treated well by Count Fernande.”

“You know why you’ve been summoned here, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course.”

I recall the conversation I had with Count Fernande.

The conflict between the royalists who want to stop the war and the noble faction who wants to continue it.

To strengthen the influence of the royalists, it’s necessary to display power at the dinner party.

While it might seem like just a dinner party, such discussions are not uncommon.

For example, Austria used sweets as a diplomatic weapon. The splendid dining diplomacy using Viennese court confectionery is famous.

“I want to stop the war. That’s why I need your help. Although, as a family of spears, the Arnoldts of war, perhaps you’d prefer war?”

There’s certainly some logic to it.

After all, the first generation of Arnoldt was just a commoner who rose to nobility with nothing but a spear. Even my father gained fame in the war, received commendations, and used those commendations to stabilize Arnoldt’s finances.

But…

“That was up until my father’s time. I will make a name for myself not with spears, but with the power of sweets. We do not need war.”

That is my dream and my vow.

I declared it to my subjects upon becoming the next head of the family. I cannot go back on that.

We can’t afford to waste time on a war.

“That’s interesting. So, you’re not a warrior but a cook, then. Yes, it seems the Arnoldts are giving up the sword.”

“I’m indeed not a warrior, but I’m also not just a cook. I am a pastry chef.”

Duke Lenaril widened her eyes and laughed upon hearing my words.

Adding insult to injury, Volg spoke up.

“With all due respect, Your Excellency, I must interject. It would be unwise to underestimate my lord. While it’s true that Kurt-sama is a pastry chef, he has not forsaken the ways of war. His prowess will surpass mine in due time. He governs excellently, excels in cooking, and possesses martial skills. He is a pastry chef who can both cook and fight, and engage in politics.”

I broke into a cold sweat for two reasons.

Not only was I excessively praised, but Volg’s interjection also caused me to sweat. His statement, coming from someone who is not a noble, is not allowed in this setting.

“This is getting out of hand. He’s too talented.”

However, Duke Lenaril only chuckled and showed no signs of reprimanding.

“Volg, it’s been a while. The hero of the last war still playing at being a butler?”

“It’s not just playing. I take pride in serving Farne-sama.”

“Is that so? You don’t plan on returning?”

“At least until Farne-sama marries, has children, and until those children become independent.”

“…By that time, both you and I will probably be considering retirement. I understand. You’re a man who won’t hesitate to speak up, not just Count Fernande’s. I look forward to it.”

Duke Lenaril’s gaze upon me grew intense.

It was a formidable gaze.

“Kurt Arnoldt, the next viscount of Arnoldt. Starting today, I’ll have you start preparing, but to motivate you, I’ll talk about rewards first. You can expect great things. I always repay my debts.”

I swallowed hard.

The reward must be significant if the Duke says one can expect it.

“Firstly, for all the sweets you’ll be selling in the future, you can specify that they are endorsed by the Lenaril Ducal House.”

The benefits of this are substantial.

Duke Lenaril only acknowledges top-tier products. If she endorses something, nobles from across the country will flock to it. Furthermore, you can advertise having the backing of Duke Lenaril. There’s no better endorsement in this country for business.

“Next, I’ll grant you permission to access all the recipes hidden in my city, Maral. Every single one of them.”

That’s also welcome news. While confectionery technology in this world may be behind, it’s been diligently developed and refined by the people of this world. There are countless techniques and discoveries I’m unaware of.

“For your territory, I’ll exempt taxes for three years. Use the extra funds for the development of Arnoldt.”

A tax exemption for three years is extremely pleasing.

To be frank, it’s more effective than being given cash temporarily. The more you earn, the more taxes you pay. But with this, you can earn without worrying about taxes at all.

“Are you motivated now?”

“Absolutely.”

There couldn’t be better conditions for Arnoldt’s development.

“In that case, the negotiation is settled. It’s the perfect time, so I’ll invite you to dinner. I want you to first experience the skills of my chefs. Then, I want you to seriously consider whether you can create dishes that surpass theirs.”

“If you fail there…”

“You may leave now. There won’t be any punishment if you choose to leave at this point… But unfortunately, if you fail this test, you’ll be labeled as unfit both as a confectioner and as a chef. Approach this with caution.”

This is a test in itself.

If I were to consider a safer option, failing might be preferable. Failing would allow me to escape the obligations of this dinner party. And being labeled as unfit as a confectioner would be better than embarrassing myself in front of the four dukes.

But I have no intention of failing on purpose.

This is a battle of pride as a confectioner.

I’ll give it my all.